Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Bear spray used to end fight with defendant
COLFAX – A Pullman man is accused of raping his girlfriend, slapping her twice, and fighting with her neighbor until he was covered in bear spray.
James S. Olson, 28, of Pullman, is charged with rape in the second degree – domestic violence and assault in the fourth degree – domestic violence in Whitman County Superior Court.
Pullman police claim Olson raped his girlfriend and slapped her twice during the assault at her apartment on Feb. 27.
After the attack, the victim left her apartment and sought help from her neighbors and friends. A woman and a 44-year-old man went to the victim’s apartment and allegedly confronted Olson, telling him to leave.
Olson reportedly struck the man several times before they began fighting. The woman covered them with bear spray to stop them, according to police records.
They thought Olson was going to the bedroom to retrieve his things when he allegedly turned and drew a pocket knife, telling them to “back off.” He left the apartment and was followed by the others.
He was arrested and told officers “he did not do anything,” according to the police.
Olson was bleeding from a small laceration to his forehead from the fight with the victim’s neighbor. He was taken to Pullman Regional Hospital for treatment before being booked in to the Whitman County Jail.
Bail was set at $100,000 and Olson attended his preliminary appearance in court on March 1.
Bill Stevenson is the former editor of the Whitman County Gazette, Colfax Daily Bulletin and Franklin Connection. He has nearly 30 years of journalism experience covering news in Eastern Washington.
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